Saturday, April 27, 2013

Christmas Break Means Family Time

EZ had over 2 weeks of vacation from school and John had a week, so we did our best to make the most of it. We went to an indoor trampoline park and the kids loved it. We had gone to one in Utah and the kids had a blast, so we wanted to try one here. Luckily there was a Groupon, because man those places get expensive fast. The kids of course loved it, but for some reason we didn't get pictures of them jumping. However, we did get picture of them all on this little teacup ride. EZ didn't really fit but we made him do it anyway. 




We also went to SeaWorld. May grandpa always sends money for the kids and we decided that they needed more experiences then toys, so we got SeaWorld passes. There was a sweet deal going on where you could buy a one day pass and it would be good through the rest of 2012 and all of 2013. They do a whole special program over the holidays and when you walk in the front gates they have snow blowing all around. So that is snow on my jacket and not dandruff. The kids were so excited to see snow in Texas. Too bad it only lasted for a couple of seconds. 


They change the shows around to have a holiday theme and they also try to make them splash less. That being said I was still nervous anytime we had to sit in a splash zone. We never got wet, but there were some folks who did and that must have sucked. 


The high was 50 degrees that day, which might have sounded warm before we moved to Texas, but we were freezing. Well, we being John and I. We made the kids leave earlier then they wanted to, because we couldn't handle the cold. Luckily, we do have those passes that let us go back again. The promise of a return trip was the only way to convince the kids to leave somewhat peacefully. 


On the way home we had to stop at Buc-ee's. It is like a Walmart sized gas station. We were pretty stoked when they opened one up kind of near us.  


EZ got the game Skylanders for Christmas and that got played a lot. It is his first true video game that isn't on the Kinect and he was dying to get it. Whoever came up with it is a genius, because there are all these characters you can buy and you can easily drop $400 if you bought everything. We will not be buying everything. He loves it so much that he wanted to explain it to his brothers. 


On New Year's Eve we got to go to a rockin' party at our friends house. Before we left John put some gel in EZ's hair and he was concerned that since he looked so good "all the girls would want to kiss him." He kills me. One of the highlights of the party was a couples' belly dancing competition that John and I won. After all of our travels in the Middle East and my belly dancing classes we frickin better have won. 


After the party Sarah and Casey came over and of course we worked on a puzzle. We know how to party at the Browns' house. 


For some reason EZ really got obsessed with the idea of having a New Years Day party for him and some of his friends, so we decided to let him do it. Of course they spent most of the time playing Skylanders. I forgot to take pictures, but here is one that EZ took of his friend Ethan and one of his Skylanders. Then below we have some other pics that EZ tooks of just his Skylanders. Have I mentioned that he likes that game?







Friday, April 26, 2013

Christmas Time is Here

Our new family tradition is to go to Waffle House on Christmas Eve. We like to keep things classy. Really though the food is awesome. Here are Netta and I about to enjoy some waffle deliciousness. 


EZ was extra excited this year!


Conrad was just along for the ride. 


Growing up Christmas Eve was always spent with friends and family so we had my sister Sarah and her family and my friend Lara and her family over for dinner. We ate way too much and the kids had a blast running themselves ragged. Here are Lincoln and Conrad showing off their festive garb. 



This is Conrad's new trick. Eventually he will graduate to standing up in John's hand, but right now he is still a bit too floppy for that one. 


New pajamas have become a part of Christmas as well. Here I am in my new pair from Sarah. I wish I could wear pajamas all the time. Oh to be in college again. 



Conrad got these cute pjs from my Uncle Tom and Aunt Nancy. 


And Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Steve took care of the rest of the kiddos. Poor John didn't get any. Oops


Of course Christmas day was spent watching all the new movies and playing with all the new toys we got. John surprised me and got me a new phone and of course himself one was well ;) I'll be honest, it is now April and I am just now getting around to writing this post, so that's about all I can remember. Haha. But I know I am so grateful for my family and for the birth of Savior and for the knowledge I have that my family can be together forever because of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Belated Christmas!